Phoenixville to Bomansville, Pennsylvania – July 16, 2017

Bakery Stop - St. Peter's, Pennsylvania

I was up at five thirty this morning and cycling by just after six. I didn’t want anyone to stress over there being a tent camper at the university.

I rode a moderate distance into St. Peters, a quaint little town whose bakery was just about to open. I secured my bike as I heard the door to the establishment unlock (8:00 AM). I entered, prolonging my stay by eating and writing.

I spent the majority of the afternoon at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. I enjoyed a hammock nap and yoga in the shade. Having spent the last few days at museums, I refrained from gazing deep into placards.

Shade and Sleep - Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site

Close to Bomansville, I spotted an RV campsite off to my right. Pedaling in, I was immediately taken under the wing of three long-term residents, all in their twenties. They thought me destitute; I played along.

The trio spoke with the camp overseer about my staying the night; she consented, allowing me to camp on the grass in front of her modest home. There was so much effort put into this by the young people, I couldn’t possibly turn it down. Small kindnesses mean a great deal when living the touring life.

After speaking with the three, I learned that they were all involved in the construction of the Mariner East 2 Pipeline project, a 350 mile gas line running from Ohio to Philadelphia, PA. One was working 100 hours per week, giving him just over nine hours of freedom each day, some of which was devoted to sleep.

Time is money for Energy Transfer Partners, the parent company of Dakota Access, LLC. If this young man was telling me the truth, this is exploitation. Instead of walking away, he was dealing his lot by drinking multiple Coors.

I am an advocate, in the short-term, of the thirty-hour workweek. With the number of people living on the planet, twenty hours per week could easily be realized. Human beings need time to think and explore their passions. We have but one life to live.

Accommodating the Desperate - Sun Valley Campground

After setting up my tent, I benefited immensely by taking advantage of the shower house and laundromat, then, lights out…